Alternative therapies for high blood pressure?

I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure and my doctor suggested I start taking beta blockers to control it, however I have taken them in the past and had some adverse effects that were persistent and bothersome. Does anyone know of any alternative choices to medications to help with long term control of high blood pressure? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Would be interested in which beta blocker you were put on. If your doctor placed you on beta blocker to control your blood pressure I would think that your resting heart rate is consistently over 80 bpm and/or you have a tendency to be stressed and/or anxious at times that causes your BP to increase. (Bystolic is a newer beta blocker that tends to have less side effects than the other beta blockers.) Other ways to lower BP without medications is to reduce salt intake, weight loss (even 10 pounds makes a big difference in BP), exercise regularly, have your Vitamin D level checked (low Vitamin D level can raise your BP), liimit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day, reduce stress in your life and if you smoke- stop.

I take Bystolic with no noticeable side effects, though I realize everyones mileage may vary. I switched to this after toprol caused sever fatigue and weakness. Bystolic seems to have the opposite effect on me - lots of energy and a little insomnia (at first - went away quickly) with great blood pressure lowering. I am on the lowest dose and never needed to increase.

I have mostly been on Inderall. My resting heart rate was about 115-130 but they have since figured that was caused in part by my thyroid. I am already on a low sodium diet due to kidney disease and I don't drink alcohol EVER because again, it is bad for my kidneys. I will ask about my vitamin D levels though. It seemed at my last appointment my doctor was more concerned with getting me on medication then actually finding the root of the problem.

It's hard on your heart if your resting heart rate is always high. I would perhaps ask your doc if there isn't a different beta blocker without the side effects. Not sure where you are in your kidney disease; but, if it is mild ACE inhibitors help to "protect" kidneys up to a certain point; but will not slow down your resting heart rate or stop BP rise due to stress/adrenaline response. Kidney disease itself can lead to high blood pressure and that might be your cause. But still need to treat your high blood pressure. Have you seen a kidney specialist? Yes, I would ask about your Vitamin D level and Would encourage you to call your doc and ask him all of your questions. Let us know what you find out!

I take fish oil and do exercise some (we could all use more exercise I think!). I have kidney disease as well so I can't take diuretics but I will do some more research on ACE inhibitors and calcium-channel blockers. I believe our first line of defense, regarding our own health, is always knowledge!